Paramendozavilite is a rare secondary molybdenum mineral that typically forms as soft, yellow earthy coatings in oxidized ore deposits. It is structurally related to mendozavilite and is primarily identified via chemical analysis due to its inconspicuous appearance.
Is this paramendozavilite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch paramendozavilite with a known reference. Paramendozavilite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paramendozavilite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paramendozavilite typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: powdery aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Paramendozavilite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paramendozavilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paramendozavilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaFe₃(Mo₆O₂₀)(OH)·14H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.51 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Powdery Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Molybdenum Ore Zones
- Typical price
- expensive due to rarity
Where rockhounds find paramendozavilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata Mine, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized molybdenum ore zones country — that is the host setting where paramendozavilite typically forms. If you start seeing mendozavilite, jarosite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a powdery aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify paramendozavilite?+
Where is paramendozavilite found?+
How much is paramendozavilite worth?+
What rocks look like paramendozavilite?+
What minerals are found with paramendozavilite?+
What kind of rock does paramendozavilite form in?+
What is paramendozavilite used for?+
Find paramendozavilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
